Italy?

[valetillidye]

and while I'm at it Venice is possibly one of the nicest places I have visited

[philpvfc]

Travelled quite a bit throughout northern and western Italy, and driven to Naples a few times exploring different parts of the country en route.

 

Sorrento is a good base if you want to explore the Amalfi coast or Naples, it's a lot cheaper than the far nicer Possitano and Amalfi but a nice place on its own, Capri is worth a visit if you are there but watch the driving in that area, it is the worst place I have ever driven. Also be very careful if you go into Naples....crime capital of Europe.

 

I love Tuscany with Sienna being my favourite town, some fantastic Villas, farmhouses and small hotels in the Tuscan countryside in the area with fantastic restaurants and amazing local Vino. Umbria is similar to Tuscany but has the coastline and just as nice.

 

Rome is a very fascinating city and well worth a visit but I think 2 or 3 nights is all you might want to stay there.

 

Northern Italy, the lakes etc is more civilised and very beautiful with the lakes probably the best place to stay.I prefer Rome to Milan but if you are in this area it is well worth a visit.

 

Good luck, and you cannot go wrong with the food.

[Tone]

The first time I visited Naples, I drove into the city one dark evening and could not figure out why nobody else stopped when the lights turned red.

[Valiant62]

for what its worth I was totally underwhelmed with Milan

 

The roof on Milan's cathedral is the most impressive piece of architecture in all Italy in my view. If you go, definitely go up on the roof of the cathedral.